Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Sadio Mane following his altercation with teammate Leroy Sane, revealing that the Senegalese has duly apologized for his behaviour.
Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane had a fight in the dressing room after Bayern Munich’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 11. The former Liverpool star punched Sane, reportedly leaving a mark on the Germany international’s face. It is believed that the couple had to be dragged away by their teammates.
Mane has since been suspended by Bayern Munich for violating the code of conduct. A club statement said:
Sadio Mane, 31, will not be in FC Bayern’s squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday.
“The reason is Mane’s misconduct after FC Bayern’s Champions League match at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”
Attending a pre-match press conference ahead of the Hoffenheim clash on Saturday (April 15), Tuchel defended the Senegalese star, calling him an exemplary professional.
“I am here to defend Mané. I have known him for a long time and only know him as an absolute professional. I also know his entourage. He has never been guilty of anything,” Tuchel said (via iMiaSanMia).
“It was against the code of conduct, he acknowledged it and apologized.”
Tuchel has confirmed that Mane’s suspension will only be for one game. This means he should be in contention to play the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City on April 19.
While the reason for the altercation has not been revealed, reports claim that Mane’s outburst stemmed from the way Sane spoke to him after the defeat in Manchester.
Leroy Sane asked Bayern Munich not to punish Sadio Mane too much
Leroy Sane, who reportedly cut his upper lip after the altercation, reportedly asked Bayern Munich to go easy on teammate Sadio Mane.
According to the German media SPORT1, Leroy Sane reviewed the entire incident with the Bayern Munich hierarchy. He then asked them not to punish Mane too harshly, as he didn’t want the problem to drag on.
It has been claimed that chief executive Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic want Mane to show a positive reaction to the entire raid. If the former Southampton star doesn’t step up in the commercial finale of the season, he could be sold this summer.
Mane has played 32 games for the Bavarians this season in all competitions, scoring just 11 times and claiming five assists. A leg injury and poor form have prevented him from becoming a stable member of the starting eleven at the Allianz Arena.